2. Introduction
• An online presentation is a special speaking occasion that has a
distinct reason, time, and place
• Understanding which aspects of the online speaking situation are
within your control and preparing accordingly is the key
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3. Key Features (1 of 2)
• Online presentations are contained within a frame
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4. Key Features (2 of 2)
• Online presentations focus attention on the speaker’s face
• Online presentations require modified delivery skills
• Online presentations permit real-time or recorded speaking
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5. A Brief Guide to Question-and-Answer Sessions
• Consider the rhetorical situation
• Adapt to the Logistics
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6. Consider the Rhetorical Situation (1 of 2)
• Occasion: Successful online presenters are keenly aware of their
presentation’s “place”—particular technical details of a video-
conferencing platform; the basics of framing, lighting, and audio
for the camera; and/or how their audience will be experiencing
their presentations
• Speaker: Be authentically yourself, and don’t force yourself to play
a role that isn’t genuine
• Audience: Apply the same decisions and principles you would to
any other speaking situation
• Purpose: Make sure you know what you want to say before you
develop and start recording or participating, and keep it firmly in
mind as you speak
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7. Consider the Rhetorical Situation (2 of 2)
• Content: The basics of selecting and organizing your content for
online presentations are the same as in-person presentations
• Delivery: Successful online presenters focus on being expressive
and immediate with their face and upper body, maintaining steady
eye contact with the camera is a must
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8. Adapt to the Logistics (1 of 3)
• Setting: Use your control over the frame to make sure your setting
enhances the value and impact of your message
• Appearance: Make sure to dress appropriately for the occasion
• Lighting: The lighting setup should reduce shadows and extreme
contrasts, giving your face an evenly illuminated appearance
• Video Recording: Check the camera angles to get a straight-on view
of yourself
• Sound Recording: Consider buying a separate microphone that
best suits your setting and your optimal vocal style
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11. Keep in Mind . . .
• Practice!
• Involve the Audience during Synchronous Presentations: Test
whether people understand, like, and accept your message, and
ask them to answer questions or share their experiences
• Adjust and Upgrade Presentation Aids: Make sure you know exactly
how you will bring presentation aids into your audience’s view
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TWO DIFFERENT DEGREES OF FILL LIGHT
On the left, the key light is strong, and there is a relatively weak fill light, leaving one side of the presenter’s face darker than the other. On the right, the key light and fill light are relatively equal in strength, which results in even lighting of both sides of the speaker’s face.
Photo credit: W. W. Norton & Company
LIGHTING WITH A SINGLE SOURCE
If you have only one light source—whether natural or artificial—try to situate it so that it is illuminating the front of your face. Ring lights are a good option for front lighting. They produce a bright but somewhat diffuse illumination, as you can see here.
Photo credit: W. W. Norton & Company